Anadolu: US deploys over 300 military jets to Middle East since start of year

Since the beginning of the year, the US has deployed more than 300 military aircraft to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility amid rising tensions around Iran, according to intelligence data cited by Anadolu.

The aircraft are stationed at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, as well as aboard US Navy aircraft carriers arriving in the region — USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford.

The deployment includes 84 F/A-18 fighters and 48 F-16 fighters. To concentrate such a number of aircraft in the Middle East, the US military has conducted approximately 270 logistical flights since January.

Earlier, the White House stated it is prepared to use force if Tehran does not agree to a “fair deal” requiring full renunciation of nuclear weapons, while Iranian authorities have repeatedly emphasised they do not intend to develop an atomic bomb.

The Pentagon has concentrated significant forces in the region, including two carrier strike groups. President Donald Trump also announced a week ago that Iran has up to 15 days to reach a deal with the US.

By Jeyhun Aghazada